Manifesto Clash: BJP Targets Congress Over Welfare Scheme Failures In Karnataka And Telangana

As the Maharashtra assembly elections draw near, the political landscape is heating up with competing promises from the Mahavikas Aghadi and Mahayuti alliances. Congress has rolled out its manifesto with ambitious welfare schemes such as a ₹3,000 monthly allowance for women and farmer loan waivers.

The party has been showcasing similar initiatives implemented in Congress-ruled states through advertisements to build voter trust. However, the BJP has countered these claims by highlighting what it calls the "collapse" of welfare schemes in Karnataka and Telangana under Congress rule.

The Karnataka Experience: Promises Unmet, Schemes Under Fire

In Karnataka, the Congress government had launched high-profile schemes like the Grihalakshmi Yojana, which promised direct cash benefits to women. BJP leaders, however, allege that the scheme has failed, with weeks of delays and technical glitches disrupting its implementation. Similarly, the Griha Jyoti Yojana, which aimed to provide 200 units of free electricity, has backfired, according to critics, as electricity rates have been raised by ₹3 per unit, increasing the burden on consumers.

The Anna Bhagya Yojana, which promised 10 kg of free rice to 1.15 crore residents, also remains largely unfulfilled. Reports suggest that beneficiaries are receiving rice under the central Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, not the state-sponsored scheme.

Transport Corporation in Crisis Over Shakti Yojana

The Shakti Yojana, offering free bus travel for women, has reportedly plunged the Karnataka State Transport Corporation into financial distress. To sustain the scheme, the government allegedly reduced bus services and delayed salaries for drivers and conductors. Diesel shortages have further crippled operations, forcing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to consider scaling back the program.

Stalled Recruitment and Youth Discontent

Congress in Karnataka had pledged ₹3,000 for unemployed graduates and ₹1,500 for diploma holders, but these promises remain unfulfilled due to financial constraints. Additionally, delays in filling vacant government posts have led to growing frustration among job seekers. BJP leaders also claim that funds allocated for marginalized communities, such as SC and ST groups, have been diverted, leaving critical welfare measures incomplete.

Telangana: A Mirror of Karnataka's Challenges

In Telangana, Congress faces similar accusations of broken promises. The Mahalakshmi Yojana, which pledged ₹2,500 monthly to women, has yet to materialize 10 months into the government's term. The Kalyan Lakshmi Yojana, which offered newly married women 10 grams of gold and ₹1 lakh, has seen significant delays, with thousands of applications stuck in verification processes. The Telangana High Court has even taken note of the government's failure to disburse promised benefits.

Other schemes like Griha Jyoti, Raitu Bharvasa (₹15,000 per acre for farmers), and Yuva Vikas Yojana have also struggled to move beyond paper. The Congress' promise of a ₹2 lakh farmer loan waiver has reportedly reached only 40% of the intended beneficiaries.

BJP's Counter-Narrative in Maharashtra

Drawing on these examples, Maharashtra BJP leaders have launched an offensive against Congress, accusing the party of making "hollow promises." They claim that Congress-led states are struggling to fund basic governance due to the financial strain of these welfare schemes. BJP leaders argue that similar failures could follow in Maharashtra if Congress' promises are implemented without fiscal planning.

As Maharashtra voters prepare to cast their ballots, the spotlight remains on how each party's promises align with their track records. With both alliances vying for public trust, the outcome will hinge on which narrative resonates more with the electorate: Congress' vision of welfare or BJP's claims of fiscal prudence and governance.